So, I've been looking for an 84-89 Runner for a while. Found one online 5 hours away from me at a dealers lot.
It's an 88 Runner, 3.0, auto. Body is straight, and all the rest of the parts fo the truck are intact. They got it on a trade sight unseen. When they went to pick it up from the PO it died and did not restart. They towed it back and have let it sit for a few weeks.
I know engine could be an easy fix, or a total rebuild. They told me they would sell it for $2000. It is a huge gamble so I think that is still high. Plus I will have the cost to drive there and trailer it back. Thoughts?

 

don't walk, run away

 

Is there a realistic price where I should consider it?
Or, is this one a too big of a gamble?

 

For what it is, I would just keep looking. The v6 3.0 with an auto is pretty gutless. If it were a 4 cyl 22re 5 speed, I would say aroung $1000 or less if it did not run. Price depends alot on locale also, so it may be hard to find a nice runner in oklahoma, however you will have less head aches if you wait it out.

Not to mention, WTH kind of dealer takes a trade sight unseen, and then claims it just doesn't run. My guess, they gave a couple hundred bucks for it and are just trying to off it as is and still make some good money. 1st gen runners are getting more rare, however they are still EVERYWHERE!

 

got my Nike's on and am sprinting.
thanks for the info guys.
the hunt continues.

 

I'd say you dodged a bullet there.
I'd say 2-3 grand for a good running one haha.

 

Yea that's no deal at all I paid 3000 for my 94 4x4 pickup I don't know where ur at in the country but down hear something like that would prolly b between 8 and a grand so no just keep looking.

 

go with the 4cyl 5 speed